Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogobig.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Exploring the patterns of Diablo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/exploring-the-patterns-of-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/exploring-the-patterns-of-diablo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/exploring-the-patterns-of-diablo-3/#comments ImageAfter thirty hours of incessantly clicking my mouse, I completed my first run of Diablo 3. Of course, the game could have been finished in far less time - I was constantly going back to explore every area to the fullest. Any dark space on my map, signaling an area I didn't explore, gnawed at my obsessive completionist attitude.

But it had me wondering: I know how long it took to get to my final destination and I'm well aware of the spoils obtained along the way, but what had I actually done in those hours? Strip away everything about a game and you may see a simple series of patterns. So when you take the game systems, graphics, and progress out of the equation, what does the pattern of playing Diablo 3 look like and is it ever different?

Gallery: Exploring Patterns in Diablo 3

Continue reading Exploring the patterns of Diablo 3

JoystiqExploring the patterns of Diablo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentDiablo-3macpatternspcstatisticsThu, 24 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Waiting Game: Everything that's been delayed into 2013 (so far)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/waiting-game-everything-thats-been-delayed-into-2013-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/waiting-game-everything-thats-been-delayed-into-2013-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/waiting-game-everything-thats-been-delayed-into-2013-so-far/#comments ImageIn January, 2012 was looking like the year to beat for its sheer volume of high-profile games. But 2012 has quickly become the year many developers have set aside as one for polish and refinement. It has quickly become the year of the delayed game.

With so many projects being moved to 2013, Joystiq decided to put together a list of the major names you'll have to keep track of for at least seven more months. Did anything on your "Most Anticipated" list get pushed to 2013?

Continue reading Waiting Game: Everything that's been delayed into 2013 (so far)

JoystiqWaiting Game: Everything that's been delayed into 2013 (so far) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxWed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Entering the Rzhev Meat Grinder in Company of Heroes 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/entering-the-rzhev-meat-grinder-in-company-of-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/entering-the-rzhev-meat-grinder-in-company-of-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/entering-the-rzhev-meat-grinder-in-company-of-heroes-2/#comments ImageIf seeing Soviet forces engage the Germans in the PC-exclusive Company of Heroes 2 taught me anything, it's that the war would have be lost if I was at the helm of the world's defense.

At a pre-E3 event in Los Angeles last week, Vancouver-based developer Relic Entertainment revealed the newest entry in its strategy series. Company of Heroes was a landmark title for the developer, solidifying its presence in the genre with one of the best RTS games ever released, followed by standalone expansions. I sunk hours pushing Jerries back from the brink of world destruction in the original Company of Heroes and its expansions, but the newest game seems unrelenting.

Gallery: Company of Heroes 2 (5/22/12)

Continue reading Entering the Rzhev Meat Grinder in Company of Heroes 2

JoystiqEntering the Rzhev Meat Grinder in Company of Heroes 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Company-of-Heroescompany-of-heroes-2e3-2012pcRelic-EntertainmentTue, 22 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon Commander deploys to Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ghost-recon-commander-deploys-to-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ghost-recon-commander-deploys-to-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ghost-recon-commander-deploys-to-facebook/#comments ImageGhost Recon's tactical tour of Facebook begins, with Ghost Recon Commander hitting the social media site earlier today. Developed by John Romero's social studio Loot Drop, Commander is linked with Ubisoft's free-to-play Ghost Recon Online and the upcoming Ghost Recon: Future Soldier.

Ghost Recon Commander is an isometric, tactical-strategy game within the popular Tom Clancy license, featuring ten "replayable missions, three difficulty levels and dozens of weapons for players to choose from."

By playing Commander, players can unlock "exclusive weapons, weapon skins and bonuses to use while playing Ghost Recon: Future Soldier and Ghost Recon Online." There are also additional "benefits" to linking the products, such as unlocking characters in Commander by playing Future Soldier. It is advisable to check it out; however, we wouldn't recommend poking anyone on the battlefield. One of you won't make it out alive.

Joystiq has contacted Ubisoft on the release date for Commander's mobile version, which was announced in April.

Gallery: Ghost Recon Commander (5/21/12)

JoystiqGhost Recon Commander deploys to Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookghost-recon-commandermacpcrelease-dateMon, 21 May 2012 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/joyswag-collectors-edition-world-of-warcraft-monopoly/#comments ImageUSAopoly and Blizzard have teamed up to develop a special, World of Warcraft-themed "Collector's Edition" Monopoly set, which lands at retailers tomorrow. Not only did we get a first look at the final product, the team at Joystiq is reluctantly giving it away to one lucky reader.

Get a detailed look at the WoW-themed Monopoly set in the Joystiq gallery below.

Entering the contest is easy! Just tell us where in Azeroth you'd buy the most real estate. Need some inspiration? Check out our latest coverage of WoW's upcoming Mists of Pandaria expansion.

Rules and conditions for this giveaway are listed after the break.

Gallery: Monopoly 'World of Warcraft Collector's Edition' Set

Continue reading Joyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly

JoystiqJoyswag & Unboxing: 'Collector's Edition' World of Warcraft Monopoly originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzardboard-gameJoyswagMonopolyusaopolyWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 17 May 2012 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Game of Thrones review: Bowed, bent, broken]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/game-of-thrones-rpg-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/game-of-thrones-rpg-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/game-of-thrones-rpg-review/#comments ImageTranslating the tome that is author George R.R. Martin's masterwork A Song of Ice and Fire is a task that must be both daunting and erratic. In its second season on HBO, the television adaptation of the series has been lovingly crafted into a marvelous weekly hour of television. In the video game world, developer Cyanide Studio has stumbled in its task thus far, releasing an abysmal strategy game that seemed to be created less in devotion to the source material and more in reaction to the franchise's new mainstream spotlight. With the studio's second effort at the series, the French developer has brought the Seven Kingdoms to life in a new, role-playing adventure.

Unlike the strategy title A Game of Thrones: Genesis, the RPG Game of Thrones feels like it was cobbled together by people who have genuine affection for the series. But Cyanide's ideas themselves seem more grand than the company is capable of delivering, showing stitches of the small studio's limitations throughout. It's the intention of the HBO series - with the budget of a SyFy original movie.

Gallery: Game of Thrones (4/25/12)

Continue reading Game of Thrones review: Bowed, bent, broken

JoystiqGame of Thrones review: Bowed, bent, broken originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thrones-rpgAtluscyanide-studiocyanide-studiosgame-of-thrones-rpgmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 15 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake's American Nightmare scares PC players on May 22 [coming to GOG.com too!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/alan-wakes-american-nightmare-scares-pc-players-on-may-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/alan-wakes-american-nightmare-scares-pc-players-on-may-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/alan-wakes-american-nightmare-scares-pc-players-on-may-22/#comments
[Update] Remedy has revealed to Joystiq that Alan Wake's American Nightmare will be released on both Steam and Good Old Games on May 22. Both Steam and GOG.com, which just added Alan Wake to its DRM-free library, are holding sales for the original title.

American Nightmare is available for 10% of a pre-order incentive at both stores; however, owners of the original Alan Wake on PC (from either Steam or GOG) will be able to pre-order American Nightmare for 25% off. Alan Wake is currently available on Steam for 50% off as part of its mid-week madness special.

[Original Story] It would seem Alan Wake isn't finished giving gamers nightmares. A product page has appeared on Steam for Alan Wake's American Nightmare, revealing that the previously XBLA-exclusive adventure is coming to PC.

Remedy confirmed to Joystiq the game will hit PC on May 22.

In April, American Nightmare appeared on the Steam registry, indicating a PC release was imminent. Based on the product description, it doesn't appear that the PC version will feature any new content. American Nightmare is currently available for pre-order on Steam at 10% off its regular $15 price point.

JoystiqAlan Wake's American Nightmare scares PC players on May 22 [coming to GOG.com too!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakes-american-nightmarepcremedy-entertainmentSteamTue, 08 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Joystiq Podcast 001: Black Ops 2, Elder Scrolls Online, The Walking Dead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/super-joystiq-podcast-001-black-ops-2-elder-scrolls-online-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/super-joystiq-podcast-001-black-ops-2-elder-scrolls-online-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/super-joystiq-podcast-001-black-ops-2-elder-scrolls-online-th/#commentsFiled under:

Image
Welcome to our new show, the Super Joystiq Podcast! We've shed our previous format and have gone back to what fans of the original Joystiq Podcast said they loved: WRUP, news, and best of all, conversations about the industry's biggest topics from the entire Joystiq editorial team.

This week, Xav and Ludwig discuss Black Ops 2 and Dishonored; JC leaves a very angry voice mail; Jess, Jordan, and Richard have a spoiler-filled discussion about The Walking Dead in the first installment of the Joystiq Research Institute; Mike talks about using the 3DS to explore the Louvre; and Alex, Dave, and Ben discuss the latest industry news, including The Elder Scrolls Online.

We also have five XBLA codes for Awesomenauts to give away. Listen to the end of the show to find out how you can win!

Listen to the Super Joystiq Podcast:Stream the show, the show breakdown, and details about each segment is available after the break.

Continue reading Super Joystiq Podcast 001: Black Ops 2, Elder Scrolls Online, The Walking Dead

JoystiqSuper Joystiq Podcast 001: Black Ops 2, Elder Scrolls Online, The Walking Dead originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiq-podcastpodcastssuper-joystiq-podcastFri, 04 May 2012 16:20:00 ESTSuper Joystiq Podcast 001: Black Ops 2, Elder Scrolls Online, The Walking DeadJoystiq1:41:16podcasts<![CDATA[Breaking down the Black Ops 2 reveal trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/breaking-down-the-black-ops-2-reveal-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/breaking-down-the-black-ops-2-reveal-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/breaking-down-the-black-ops-2-reveal-trailer/#comments Image
Now that Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is officially out there, we can examine the game's reveal trailer and offer some further insight beyond the bombast.

We've compiled a handful of screen grabs from the trailer after the break, with notes about the game's locale, features, and more. For even more, make sure to read our detailed campaign preview and details on the game's new, story-altering 'Strike Force' missions.

Continue reading Breaking down the Black Ops 2 reveal trailer

JoystiqBreaking down the Black Ops 2 reveal trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionBreakdownCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpcplaystationps3TreyarchxboxWed, 02 May 2012 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Controlling the battlefield in Black Ops 2 'Strike Force' missions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/controlling-the-battlefield-in-black-ops-2-strike-force-missio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/controlling-the-battlefield-in-black-ops-2-strike-force-missio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/controlling-the-battlefield-in-black-ops-2-strike-force-missio/#comments ImageChoice in a video game is not a rare occurrence, unless that game happens to be Call of Duty. During the campaign in Black Ops 2, players will have the ability to select from a handful of 'Strike Force' missions anchored to hotspots throughout the globe. When one mission is selected, the others become unavailable, replaced later with fresh 'Strike Force' missions.

But these single-player missions set in the near-future aren't simply random missions without a story wrapper. Instead, they offer players an opportunity to play Call of Duty with an element of rarely seen choice.

Continue reading Controlling the battlefield in Black Ops 2 'Strike Force' missions

JoystiqControlling the battlefield in Black Ops 2 'Strike Force' missions originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpcplaystationps3Strike-Force-MissionsTreyarchxboxWed, 02 May 2012 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 spans decades, offers branching missions and choice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/black-ops-2-spans-decades-offers-branching-missions-and-choice/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/black-ops-2-spans-decades-offers-branching-missions-and-choice/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/black-ops-2-spans-decades-offers-branching-missions-and-choice/#comments ImageGarnering legions of fans tends to wedge a franchise right between those that crave more of the same content, and those that loathe its existence. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is in the same spot, but developer Treyarch is looking to create some wiggle room between the two camps in its next contribution to Activision's billion dollar franchise.

At Treyarch's office in Los Angeles, company boss Mark Lamia steps into a darkened theater filled with journalists. He's chipper, excited to finally talk about the game his team has been slaving over for more than a year. Despite a tightly constructed marketing schedule, the secret of Black Ops 2 was hard to contain; its existence began to leak in January.

"Let me introduce you to the worst kept secret in the game industry," Lamia says as he walks in front of a giant screen embellished with the sleek Black Ops 2 logo. The walls around the screen are lined with concept art, some of it modeled after surveillance photos from in-orbit satellites, but all with a futuristic tint to them. "Saying that," Lamia continues, "we think what Black Ops 2 is about is one of the best kept secrets in the industry."

Gallery: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (5/1/2012)

Continue reading Black Ops 2 spans decades, offers branching missions and choice

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 spans decades, offers branching missions and choice originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpcplaystationps3TreyarchxboxWed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 revealed with first trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-revealed-with-first-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-revealed-with-first-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-revealed-with-first-trailer/#comments ImageCall of Duty: Black Ops 2, this year's installment in the best-selling series, is finally kicking off its official reveal and pre-launch hype campaign.

The first trailer for Black Ops 2 reveals Sgt. Frank Woods, alive and well after Black Ops, well into his old age in the year 2025. "Besides the fact that I'm still alive, none of this surprises me," the retired soldier groans. It seems Treyarch's Call of Duty universe is jumping ahead to our near future for its next installment.

Much more information (some that may actually surprise you) is coming later tonight in a lengthy preview and interview on the upcoming game. The future may be black, as the game's tagline suggests, but it isn't that far away.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 launches on the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on November 13, 2012.

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops 2 revealed with first trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionCall-of-Dutycall-of-duty-black-ops-2microsoftpcplaystationps3TreyarchxboxTue, 01 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War: Ascension takes godslaying online with multiplayer focus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/god-of-war-ascension-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/god-of-war-ascension-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/god-of-war-ascension-multiplayer/#comments ImageA familiar face appears on the screen, moments before a demo for God of War: Ascension begins. Zoomed in, the angry mug resembles angry anti-hero Kratos, but as the camera pans away it becomes obvious: this is someone completely different.

Suddenly, a Cyclops bursts through a wooden door near the new character and the demo begins. The new character, decked out in armor inspired by the Greek God Poseidon, moves with the swiftness of Kratos. His sword pierces the monster's skin. Suddenly, another character leaps into frame, attacking the Cyclops with a giant hammer. The pair of soldiers mercilessly cut the Cyclops down, working together to mount the creature and slice its belly apart. As blood and guts slide out of the monster's midsection, the surrounding area explodes into a set of orbs. Multiplayer has come to God of War.

Without a moment of hesitation, the pair walk through the newly opened structure before them, coming to the mouth of a large canyon. In the distance, a giant one-eyed cyclops based on Polyphemus, son of Poseidon and Thoosa, engages a large group of soldiers fierce battle. But it isn't a battle between A.I.; Ascension's multiplayer mode is grander than we first thought.

Gallery: God of War: Ascension 'Execution Mode' (4/30/12)

Continue reading God of War: Ascension takes godslaying online with multiplayer focus

JoystiqGod of War: Ascension takes godslaying online with multiplayer focus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-war-ascensionplaystationps3sony-santa-monicatodd-papyMon, 30 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale smashes through the PlayStation library]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/playstation-all-stars-battle-royale-smashes-through-the-playsta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/playstation-all-stars-battle-royale-smashes-through-the-playsta/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/playstation-all-stars-battle-royale-smashes-through-the-playsta/#comments ImageAfter months of rumors, Sony has officially revealed PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale, a brawler featuring multiple franchises from the PlayStation library. As suggested back in November, the PlayStation 3 title is in development at SuperBot Entertainment. The now-official game was available for hands-on sessions at a recent PlayStation event in Los Angeles.

The basic conceit of the game is that Sony decided to clone the concepts behind Nintendo's Smash Bros. series or Capcom's Power Stone. PlayStation All-Stars fits that characterization almost exactly: characters from various video game worlds battle in arenas, environments are pulled from recognizable franchises, and everything boils into an evolving bucket of crazy.

But that doesn't discount that PlayStation All-Stars was a fun game to play, with some unique ideas that turn it into the video game equivalent of the instant-classic PlayStation television ad "Michael." Sure, it's Smash Bros. with PlayStation characters, but given the choice between Waluigi and Kratos, I'll gladly go with the God of War.

Gallery: PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale (4/27/12)

Continue reading PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale smashes through the PlayStation library

JoystiqPlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale smashes through the PlayStation library originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-all-stars-battle-royaleplaystation-allstars-battle-royaleps3superbot-entertainmentFri, 27 Apr 2012 03:05:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale coming to PS3 this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/playstation-all-stars-battle-royale-coming-to-ps3-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/playstation-all-stars-battle-royale-coming-to-ps3-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/playstation-all-stars-battle-royale-coming-to-ps3-this-year/#comments ImageIt's a good thing that Sony registered a URL for PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale, because developer SuperBot Entertainment has been working on a game named just that!

Though rumors about the title have been swirling since November 2011, Sony is ready to reveal the brawler to the world. Taking cues from Nintendo's mash-up series, Smash Bros., SuperBot's first title sees recognizable PlayStation characters square off in four-player multiplayer arena-based battles. PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale is set to hit the PS3 later this year.

Joystiq went hands-on with the game earlier this week and will have a preview available for your late-night reading pleasure momentarily.

JoystiqPlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale coming to PS3 this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationPlayStation-All-Starsplaystation-all-stars-battle-royaleplaystation-allstars-battle-royaleps3SuperBot-EntertainmentFri, 27 Apr 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[From pitch to product: Elastic Games on bringing Police Warfare to life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/from-pitch-to-product-elastic-games-on-bringing-police-warfare/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/from-pitch-to-product-elastic-games-on-bringing-police-warfare/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/from-pitch-to-product-elastic-games-on-bringing-police-warfare/#comments Image"It's definitely something that's a work in progress," Elastic Games lead game designer James Wearing admits. He's talking about the name of the product his newly formed team is pitching to Kickstarter users, a first-person shooter called 'Police Warfare.' The name is more descriptive than it is memorable.

"There were definitely a lot of comments where people said it was the worst name they ever heard." But the name of the product is on a short list of post-development things to take care of.

Right now, the focus at Elastic Games is to use the goodwill built up by Police Warfare's original pitch, which was labeled as a fan-made concept for the future of Call of Duty in February, and turn it into funding for an actual product via the crowd power of Kickstarter.

Gallery: Police Warfare 'Concept Art and Renders' - (04/12/12)

Continue reading From pitch to product: Elastic Games on bringing Police Warfare to life

JoystiqFrom pitch to product: Elastic Games on bringing Police Warfare to life originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Elastic-GamesKickstarterpcPolice-WarfareThu, 12 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Police Warfare' pitch looks to become reality with Kickstarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/police-warfare-pitch-looks-to-become-reality-with-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/police-warfare-pitch-looks-to-become-reality-with-kickstarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/police-warfare-pitch-looks-to-become-reality-with-kickstarter/#comments ImageIt was originally labeled as a pitch for the future of Call of Duty, with no plan to create a finished product. "The intent was to create a sweet game pitch and see what people thought of it," Police Warfare producer Shawn Wallace tells Joystiq.

After the video exploded on YouTube, the team behind it realized they had hit on something. "There was such a strong response on YouTube from people who are clearly gamers who want this, which sort of validated our feelings for how strong the concept is," Wallace adds.

Today, Police Warfare becomes the next in a long line of indie projects looking for funding via Kickstarter.

Continue reading 'Police Warfare' pitch looks to become reality with Kickstarter

Joystiq'Police Warfare' pitch looks to become reality with Kickstarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Elastic-GamesKickstarterpcPolice-WarfareThu, 12 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Laugh, cry, and win prizes at Joystiq Live from PAX East (today at 3pm!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/laugh-cry-and-win-prizes-at-joystiq-live-from-pax-east-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/laugh-cry-and-win-prizes-at-joystiq-live-from-pax-east-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/laugh-cry-and-win-prizes-at-joystiq-live-from-pax-east-today/#comments ImageToday's the day! At 3:00PM EST in the Manticore Theater, Joystiq will bring you a live version of its new podcast-in-progress. Come to the panel to hear how the show is morphing into a different format that Joystiq Podcast fans remember. It's SUPER, and the entire Joystiq staff is involved this time.

You'll learn more (like the show's name) beyond that, and see another exciting announcement that we think is totally rad. Make sure to bring questions for the Q&A section of the Live Show, because you could win some amazing prizes like the Special Edition Star Wars Xbox 360 console bundle, a ton of games, and Journey swag.

JoystiqLaugh, cry, and win prizes at Joystiq Live from PAX East (today at 3pm!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pax-east-2012Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The ghostly image of my death in Far Cry 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/the-ghostly-image-of-my-death-in-far-cry-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/the-ghostly-image-of-my-death-in-far-cry-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/the-ghostly-image-of-my-death-in-far-cry-3/#comments ImageThe stories crafted during multiplayer sessions of Far Cry 3 will sound similar to the tales told from other competitive shooters:

The blast from a nearby grenade hits me like a shockwave. From behind the smoke a group of four rebels emerge and open fire on an ammo depot I'm set on defending. Two of the invaders are felled in a hail of shots from my submachine gun. Two other foes scatter and leave me standing alone. The area is mine, and mine alone.

I hole up, waiting for a flanking attack -- but nothing happens. Seconds later I hear a crack in the air. A blip registers on my radar. Then another crack and I fall to my feet, dead.

What seems fairly standard turns into something new and interesting. Like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare before it, Far Cry 3 reveals lethal enemy positions via a kill cam. But unlike other titles, Far Cry 3's system may be the best that I've ever seen at detailing critical strategic information to downed players.

Gallery: Far Cry 3 (Gamescom 2011)

Continue reading The ghostly image of my death in Far Cry 3

JoystiqThe ghostly image of my death in Far Cry 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>far-cry-3microsoftpax-east-2012pcplaystationps3ubisoft-massiveUbisoft-MontrealUbisoft-ShanghaixboxFri, 06 Apr 2012 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sniper Elite V2 demo coming next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/sniper-elite-v2-demo-coming-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/sniper-elite-v2-demo-coming-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/sniper-elite-v2-demo-coming-next-month/#comments Sniper Elite V2 publisher 505 Games has told Joystiq that a demo for Rebellion's upcoming reboot is scheduled to arrive in April, one month ahead of the game's May release. The demo will be made available on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, though "the final date is not yet scheduled," the publisher told us.

A PC version of Sniper Elite V2 is also in the works, which will be self-published by Rebellion. Reps for the game tell Joystiq a demo for the PC is also planned for "sometime next month."

There's no telling what the demo will include, but Joystiq's recent preview should give you a good idea of what's in store. Sniper Elite V2 -- and its Kill Hitler pre-order bonus -- launches on the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on May 4.

When asked if the bonus would be made available as premium DLC in the future, a rep told Joystiq the developer has yet to determine the content's fate following launch. Our guess is Rebellion will give everyone a shot at the world's most hated man at some point -- it's just a question of cost.

Gallery: Sniper Elite V2: Single-Player (03/23/2012)

JoystiqSniper Elite V2 demo coming next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3RebellionRebellion-Developmentssniper-elite-v2xboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[An all new episode of Alan Wake's Night Springs: 'Doomed Samaritan']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/an-all-new-episode-of-alan-wakes-night-springs-doomed-samarit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/an-all-new-episode-of-alan-wakes-night-springs-doomed-samarit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/an-all-new-episode-of-alan-wakes-night-springs-doomed-samarit/#comments
Last week, Joystiq featured the six original episodes of Night Springs -- the Twilight Zone-inspired series featured in Remedy Entertainment's Alan Wake. But a new week deserves a new set of mysteries and Joystiq has three never-before-seen episodes of the popular series debuting exclusively all week.

Tonight's episode is the final -- and perhaps most mind-bending -- of the never-before-seen series. Allow us to introduce you to "The Doomed Samaritan."

JoystiqAn all new episode of Alan Wake's Night Springs: 'Doomed Samaritan' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakealan-wakes-american-nightmaremicrosoftnight-springspcremedyremedy-entertainmentxboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Targeting the Axis powers in Sniper Elite V2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/targeting-the-axis-powers-in-sniper-elite-v2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/targeting-the-axis-powers-in-sniper-elite-v2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/targeting-the-axis-powers-in-sniper-elite-v2/#comments I walk into a large conference room late, having dealt with a parking lot maze. As I enter, I spot a television well into a demo -- a bullet ejects from a Springfield rifle, time slows following it to an enemy, and cuts through a Nazi soldier like a chainsaw through a stick of butter.

Reps from developer Rebellion and publisher 505 Games are huddled over the monitors, showing off Sniper Elite V2, a reboot of Rebellion's 2005 Sniper Elite for PC, PS2, Wii, and Xbox. The demo, I'm told, had only just started. "We get right into the action," a PR spokesperson tells me. But the action in Sniper Elite V2 isn't about quick progression through its Battle of Berlin setting -- it is methodical.

Gallery: Sniper Elite V2: Single-Player (03/23/2012)

Continue reading Targeting the Axis powers in Sniper Elite V2

JoystiqTargeting the Axis powers in Sniper Elite V2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rebellionRebellion-Developmentssniper-elite-v2xboxThu, 29 Mar 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[An all new episode of Alan Wake's Night Springs: 'What's in a Name']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/an-all-new-episode-of-alan-wakes-night-springs-whats-in-a-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/an-all-new-episode-of-alan-wakes-night-springs-whats-in-a-na/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/an-all-new-episode-of-alan-wakes-night-springs-whats-in-a-na/#comments
Last week, Joystiq featured the six original episodes of Night Springs -- the Twilight Zone-inspired series featured in Remedy Entertainment's Alan Wake. But a new week deserves a new set of mysteries and Joystiq has three never-before-seen episodes of the popular series debuting exclusively all week.

Tonight's episode... "What's in a Name."

JoystiqAn all new episode of Alan Wake's Night Springs: 'What's in a Name' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakealan-wakes-american-nightmaremicrosoftNight-SpringspcRemedyremedy-entertainmentxboxWed, 28 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[An all new episode of Alan Wake's Night Springs: 'Eternal Endurance']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/an-all-new-episode-of-alan-wakes-night-springs-eternal-endura/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/an-all-new-episode-of-alan-wakes-night-springs-eternal-endura/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/an-all-new-episode-of-alan-wakes-night-springs-eternal-endura/#comments
Last week, Joystiq featured the six original episodes of Night Springs -- the Twilight Zone-inspired series featured in Remedy Entertainment's Alan Wake. But a new week deserves a new set of mysteries and Joystiq has three never-before-seen episodes of the popular series debuting exclusively all week.

Tonight's episode... "Eternal Endurance."

JoystiqAn all new episode of Alan Wake's Night Springs: 'Eternal Endurance' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakealan-wakes-american-nightmaremicrosoftNight-SpringspcRemedyremedy-entertainmentxboxMon, 26 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake's Night Springs: The Complete Series - 'Quantum Suicide' and 'Absence of Creativity']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/alan-wakes-night-springs-the-complete-series-quantum-suicid/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/alan-wakes-night-springs-the-complete-series-quantum-suicid/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/alan-wakes-night-springs-the-complete-series-quantum-suicid/#comments
The Twilight Zone-inspired series within Alan Wake -- dubbed "Night Springs" -- was popular among fans. Each short episode not only helped to expand Alan Wake's universe, but it also led to the downloadable spin-off Alan Wake's American Nightmare, in which the character of Alan Wake was caught in the middle of a Night Springs episode arc.

Six original episodes were featured in Remedy Entertainment's Alan Wake, and Joystiq has the exclusive season pass. Today, perhaps the best of the original series run: "Quantum Suicide." After the break is the final episode from Alan Wake, "Absence of Creativity."

But the season extends beyond its original run of six, and Joystiq has more Night Springs coming with new, never-before-seen episodes landing exclusively next week.

Continue reading Alan Wake's Night Springs: The Complete Series - 'Quantum Suicide' and 'Absence of Creativity'

JoystiqAlan Wake's Night Springs: The Complete Series - 'Quantum Suicide' and 'Absence of Creativity' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakealan-wakes-american-nightmaremicrosoftnight-springspcremedyremedy-entertainmentxboxFri, 23 Mar 2012 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake's Night Springs: The Complete Series - 'Taken In His Prime']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/alan-wakes-night-springs-the-complete-series-taken-in-his-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/alan-wakes-night-springs-the-complete-series-taken-in-his-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/alan-wakes-night-springs-the-complete-series-taken-in-his-p/#comments
The Twilight Zone-inspired series within Alan Wake -- dubbed "Night Springs" -- was popular among fans. Each short episode not only helped to expand Alan Wake's universe, but it also led to the downloadable spin-off Alan Wake's American Nightmare, in which the character of Alan Wake was caught in the middle of a Night Springs episode arc.

Six original episodes were featured in Remedy Entertainment's Alan Wake, and Joystiq has the exclusive season pass. Today, a brutal episode about free will, dubbed: "Taken In His Prime."

But the season extends beyond its original run of six, and Joystiq has more Night Springs coming with new, never-before-seen episodes landing exclusively next week.

JoystiqAlan Wake's Night Springs: The Complete Series - 'Taken In His Prime' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakealan-wakes-american-nightmaremicrosoftNight-SpringspcRemedyremedy-entertainmentxboxThu, 22 Mar 2012 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake's Night Springs: The Complete Series - 'Dream of Dreams']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/alan-wakes-night-springs-the-complete-series-dream-of-dream/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/alan-wakes-night-springs-the-complete-series-dream-of-dream/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/alan-wakes-night-springs-the-complete-series-dream-of-dream/#comments
The Twilight Zone-inspired series within Alan Wake -- dubbed "Night Springs" -- was popular among fans. Each short episode not only helped to expand Alan Wake's universe, but it also led to the downloadable spin-off Alan Wake's American Nightmare, in which the character of Alan Wake was caught in the middle of a Night Springs episode arc.

Six original episodes were featured in Remedy Entertainment's Alan Wake, and Joystiq has the exclusive season pass. Today, we feature the third -- and perhaps strangest -- episode of the bunch: "Dream of Dreams."

But the season extends beyond its original run of six, and Joystiq has more Night Springs coming with new, never-before-seen episodes landing exclusively next week.

JoystiqAlan Wake's Night Springs: The Complete Series - 'Dream of Dreams' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakealan-wakes-american-nightmaremicrosoftNight-SpringspcRemedyremedy-entertainmentxboxWed, 21 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake's Night Springs: The Complete Series - 'Family Occasion']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/alan-wakes-night-springs-the-complete-series-family-occasio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/alan-wakes-night-springs-the-complete-series-family-occasio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/alan-wakes-night-springs-the-complete-series-family-occasio/#comments
Some of the most memorable moments in Remedy Entertainment's thriller, Alan Wake, sprang from episodes of a short, Twilight Zone-inspired television show hidden throughout Bright Falls.

"Night Springs" fleshed out Wake's world and also helped inspire the downloadable spin-off, Alan Wake's American Nightmare, in which the hero is caught in the middle of an episode arc. Six original episodes were featured in the original Alan Wake, and Joystiq has the exclusive season pass.

Today, we seal the Night Springs series with a kiss in "Family Occasion."

JoystiqAlan Wake's Night Springs: The Complete Series - 'Family Occasion' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakealan-wakes-american-nightmaremicrosoftnight-springspcremedyremedy-entertainmentxboxTue, 20 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake's Night Springs: The Complete Series - 'Man in the Mirror']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/alan-wakes-night-springs-man-in-the-mirror/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/alan-wakes-night-springs-man-in-the-mirror/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/alan-wakes-night-springs-man-in-the-mirror/#comments
Some of the most memorable moments in Remedy Entertainment's thriller, Alan Wake, sprang from episodes of a short, Twilight Zone-inspired television show hidden throughout Bright Falls.

"Night Springs" fleshed out Wake's world and also helped inspire the downloadable spin-off, Alan Wake's American Nightmare, in which the hero is caught in the middle of an episode arc. Six original episodes were featured in the original Alan Wake, and Joystiq has the exclusive season pass.

Today, we feature one of the most chilling episodes: "Man in the Mirror."

JoystiqAlan Wake's Night Springs: The Complete Series - 'Man in the Mirror' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakealan-wakes-american-nightmaremicrosoftNight-SpringspcRemedyremedy-entertainmentxboxMon, 19 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unit 13 review: Fired up, feels okay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/unit-13-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/unit-13-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/unit-13-review/#comments Developer Zipper Interactive cut its teeth on the PlayStation 2 with the SOCOM series, becoming legend to military shooter fans with a trio of outstanding titles. In the following generation, however, Zipper hasn't been as consistent. Initially, my time with Unit 13, the dev's new military shooter for Vita, was nothing short of a love affair, but after only a few hours the game quickly lost steam.

Rather than offer a story, Unit 13 presents itself as a set of over 35 missions, which offer a variety of objectives. Some require covert infiltration and some, for instance, must be accomplished within a specific timeframe.

In the beginning, Unit 13 does a great job of pushing its leaderboard mentality, where score is king and it's your runs versus the world, but the entire framework feels meaningless. Orders are barked at you, and you execute them, with little in the way of reasoning other than, "These dudes are bad, so kill them before they do their bad dude things."

Gallery: Unit 13 (PS Vita)

Continue reading Unit 13 review: Fired up, feels okay

JoystiqUnit 13 review: Fired up, feels okay originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaunit-13vitaZipper-InteractiveFri, 16 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring an open-world Gotham in Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/exploring-an-open-world-gotham-in-lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/exploring-an-open-world-gotham-in-lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/exploring-an-open-world-gotham-in-lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes/#comments
Lego bricks inspire creativity, but that sense of discovery and creation is all but lost in the video games from developer Travelers Tales. The experiences are largely linear affairs, with not much in the way of making your own fun.

Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes has a different design philosophy. Rather than give players a list of levels they can select, TT Games has removed the barriers around Batman's hometown. While the vision of an open world is welcome, a short demo of the game during GDC showed there's still a lot that tethers The Dark Knight to Gotham.

Gallery: Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (3/15/12)

Continue reading Exploring an open-world Gotham in Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes

JoystiqExploring an open-world Gotham in Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsgdc-2012Lego-Batmanlego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyTravelers-TalesTT-GamesvitawiixboxThu, 15 Mar 2012 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag & Unboxing: Alan Wake PC Collector's Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/joyswag-and-unboxing-alan-wake-pc-collectors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/joyswag-and-unboxing-alan-wake-pc-collectors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/joyswag-and-unboxing-alan-wake-pc-collectors-edition/#comments
At GDC 2012, Remedy Entertainment handed Joystiq two copies of the PC Collector's Edition for Alan Wake. We're passing them on to our readers!

Distributed by Nordic Games in Europe and Legacy in North America, the Collector's Edition includes a number of bonuses. Like the Xbox 360 Collector's Edition, Alan Wake's retail release for PC includes a behind-the-scenes DVD, 'The Alan Wake Files' book, and more. There are also exclusive PC bonuses, like additional music on the soundtrack disc, Bright Falls postcards, and stickers.

For a detailed look at the Collector's Edition, check out our unboxing video above. Find out how to enter the giveaway after the break.

Continue reading Joyswag & Unboxing: Alan Wake PC Collector's Edition

JoystiqJoyswag & Unboxing: Alan Wake PC Collector's Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-Wakejoyswaglegacynordic-gamespcRemedyremedy-entertainmentTue, 13 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda's Todd Howard on Skyrim's biggest development hurdle, fan-made mods, and what happens next]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/bethesdas-todd-howard-on-skyrims-biggest-development-hurdle-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/bethesdas-todd-howard-on-skyrims-biggest-development-hurdle-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/bethesdas-todd-howard-on-skyrims-biggest-development-hurdle-f/#comments Todd Howard and his clan of designers from Bethesda Game Studios walked off the stage with top honors for 'Game of the Year' at the 2012 Game Developers Coice Awards last week, for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. As the large group shuffled off to party, Howard, the company's boss, took a few moments to speak with the media.

Topics of discussion quickly merged into one frame of thought: what happens next? Everyone wants to know when the first piece of downloadable content will launch, how will it change the award-winning experience, and more.

Howard, being as used to sidestepping media inquires about unannounced items as he is working with a talented team, quickly shot those questions down.

Our focus, however, was slightly different. With a game as large as Skyrim, we wondered what complications arose during development. What is the hardest part about crafting a world meant to live on its own, away from the player's eyes?

Gallery: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (11/10/11)

Continue reading Bethesda's Todd Howard on Skyrim's biggest development hurdle, fan-made mods, and what happens next

JoystiqBethesda's Todd Howard on Skyrim's biggest development hurdle, fan-made mods, and what happens next originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworkscreation-kitelder-scrolls-5gdc-2012skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimtodd-howardMon, 12 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/battlefield-3s-rendering-architect-details-his-dream-specs-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/battlefield-3s-rendering-architect-details-his-dream-specs-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/battlefield-3s-rendering-architect-details-his-dream-specs-for/#comments During the Game Developer's Choice awards, DICE took home the prize of "Best Technology" for its Frostbite 2 engine. After accepting the award on behalf of his team, we asked DICE rendering architect Johan Andersson what the next generation of consoles would need to include for Frostbite 2 to work 'perfectly and as intended on high-end PCs.' To Andersson, the answer is "pretty easy to answer."

"There's two things: memory and processing power," he said. "We need lots and lots of processing power. The more you can cram into a machine, we'll take advantage of that." While 'more power' is the obvious answer -- both on the CPU and GPU side -- we wondered what wouldn't be 'enough' to work with.

"Two gigabytes would not be enough when it comes to RAM [random access memory]" Andersson said. "Four gigabytes would work. Eight gigabytes? Yeah. I think that would be perfect when it comes to memory." Recommended system specifications for Battlefield 3 call for 4GB of RAM.

Continue reading Battlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles

JoystiqBattlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3dicefrostbite-2gdc-2012hardwareJohan-Anderssonnext-genFri, 09 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine on BioShock Infinite's supposed 'special Move controller' and miscommunication in game development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/levine-on-bioshock-infinites-supposed-special-move-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/levine-on-bioshock-infinites-supposed-special-move-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/levine-on-bioshock-infinites-supposed-special-move-controller/#comments It's called 'the snowball effect.' One piece of information grows into something greater than it was ever meant to be. This effect can take hold even when the information is incorrect to begin with. This was the case when the PlayStation UK site claimed a special Move device was being released alongside the PS3 version of BioShock Infinite.

"My understanding of what happened with that was some marketing person at Sony said, 'Oh, I think there's a Move peripheral for this.' And they put it out there and we saw it and were just like, 'Uh. Really? We never heard of that before," Ken Levine told me last week.

Levine admits that errors like this happen "a lot."

Gallery: BioShock Infinite (E3 2011)

Continue reading Levine on BioShock Infinite's supposed 'special Move controller' and miscommunication in game development

JoystiqLevine on BioShock Infinite's supposed 'special Move controller' and miscommunication in game development originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitegdc-2012microsoftmoveplaystationps3xboxThu, 08 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine wants to show you BioShock on Vita, not talk about it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/levine-wants-to-show-you-bioshock-on-vita-not-talk-about-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/levine-wants-to-show-you-bioshock-on-vita-not-talk-about-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/levine-wants-to-show-you-bioshock-on-vita-not-talk-about-it/#comments "It's something completely different that we're crafting," Irrational Games boss Ken Levine tells me as I press him for details on BioShock for the PlayStation Vita. Levine revealed during Sony's media briefing at E3 2011 (pictured) that the new handheld would be home to a unique experience set in the BioShock universe.

"It's not BioShock Infinite ported to the Vita," he reiterates.

Moments earlier, Levine highlighted a point of frustration that comes with making announcements. While happy to discuss BioShock Infinite's October 16 release date, his Twitter feed immediately filled with questions about the "next thing, or the 'Collector's Edition,' or the Vita game." And here I am, falling into the same trap as his Twitter followers -- asking new questions when old ones are answered.

When might we hear more about the portable experience? "Look," he says with an emerging laugh in his voice, "we're working on it. We're trying to figure that [announcement timing] out. I ideally wouldn't have talked about the Vita game when I did. It was understandably important that, you know, Sony wanted us to share that information."

Continue reading Levine wants to show you BioShock on Vita, not talk about it

JoystiqLevine wants to show you BioShock on Vita, not talk about it originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockbioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levineplaystationplaystation-vitavitaThu, 08 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing BioShock Infinite's second heavy hitter: George Washington with a mini-gun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/introducing-bioshock-infinites-second-heavy-hitter-george-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/introducing-bioshock-infinites-second-heavy-hitter-george-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/introducing-bioshock-infinites-second-heavy-hitter-george-wa/#comments
There's a new breed of baddie coming to BioShock Infinite. Dubbed the "Heavy Hitters," these menacing foes are another in a long line of defense against Booker DeWitt, protagonist and trespasser in the floating city of Columbia.

The 'Motorized Patriot' is a machine that wields a mini-gun and dons a horrifying wax mask, modeled after George Washington. Unlike the residents of Columbia, Heavy Hitters are relentless in their attack, and don't hesitate.

"We perceived a lack of variety in the enemies in BioShock," Irrational Games boss Ken Levine tells me over the phone. "There tend to be a lot of Splicers with weapons -- that was the primary thing you dealt with -- or there were a couple of them with plasmids. And then you had the Big Daddies. We really wanted to broaden out the pool [for BioShock Infinite]."

A total of four 'Heavy Hitters' are featured in BioShock Infinite. The hunkering, horse-throwing beast from the original gameplay trailer -- dubbed 'The Handyman' -- is another. Each has unique characteristics, and each ask for different tactics if you hope to defeat them.

Irrational's intent isn't for Heavy Hitters be the 'Infinite versions' of BioShock's iconic Big Daddy, Levine says. It was a matter of expanding the variety of enemies for players.

"We're not trying to recreate anything 'note-for-note.' If I have a C-Sharp in BioShock, I'm not really looking to necessarily have a C-Sharp in BioShock Infinite," Levine explains before apologizing for being "a music nerd."

"I want the kind of vibe to feel the same and the piece to feel like they're connected." There are "a ton of things" that connect the two games, he says, but only because the team feels their inclusion "organically worked" in BioShock Infinite. Irrational doesn't want to fall into the trap of feeling forced to add something to its next game, simply because it was prevalent in the first one in the series.

BioShock Infinite launches for the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on October 16.

JoystiqIntroducing BioShock Infinite's second heavy hitter: George Washington with a mini-gun originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim awarded 'Game of the Year' at 2012 Game Developers Choice Awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-awarded-game-of-the-year-at-2012-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-awarded-game-of-the-year-at-2012-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-awarded-game-of-the-year-at-2012-g/#comments With the Game Developers Choice Awards just now coming to an end, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was announced as the overall 'Game of the Year' winner for 2011.

We're not surprised, folks. It's pretty good.

For a complete recap of the nominees and winners, check out our previous coverage.

JoystiqThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim awarded 'Game of the Year' at 2012 Game Developers Choice Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elder-scrolls-5game-developers-choice-awardsgdc-2012skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimWed, 07 Mar 2012 23:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Fez wins 2012 IGF 'Seumas McNally Grand Prize']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/fez-wins-2012-igf-seumas-mcnally-grand-prize/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/fez-wins-2012-igf-seumas-mcnally-grand-prize/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/fez-wins-2012-igf-seumas-mcnally-grand-prize/#comments The dust has settled and only one independently developed title is left standing. Seconds ago Fez was announced as the winner of the 'Seumas McNally Grand Prize' at the 14th annual Independent Games Festival Awards.

This is the second IGF award for the Polytron-developed title. In 2008, Fez took home the IGF award for excellence in art. After nearly five years of development, Fez is undergoing certification for release on Xbox Live Arcade.

JoystiqFez wins 2012 IGF 'Seumas McNally Grand Prize' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fezgdc-2012igf-2012independent-games-festivalmicrosoftxboxWed, 07 Mar 2012 22:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Tonight's nominees (and winners) at the 14th annual IGF Awards]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/tonights-nominations-and-winners-for-the-14th-annual-igf-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/tonights-nominations-and-winners-for-the-14th-annual-igf-award/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/tonights-nominations-and-winners-for-the-14th-annual-igf-award/#comments In only a few moments, the Independent Games Festival will honor the best in indie gaming with the 14th annual IGF Awards.

The nominees are listed after the break and we'll make sure to update the list as awards are handed out.

Continue reading Tonight's nominees (and winners) at the 14th annual IGF Awards

JoystiqTonight's nominees (and winners) at the 14th annual IGF Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GDC-2012IGF-2012independent-games-festivalindependent-games-festival-2012Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST